Free public programs
MJC West Campus
7:30 pm–Sierra
Hall 132

Fall 2013

October 25“Keeping Our Wells From Running Dry”

The
Central Valley of California produces about 250 different crops with an
annual net worth of about $17 billion. Clearly, agriculture is the economic
backbone of our region. However, this agricultural production is heavily
dependent on the pumping of massive amounts of groundwater from the Central
Valley aquifer system, especially during dry years. Recently, two years of
drought and an increase in the amount of irrigated acreage (mostly on the
east side) have led to a proliferation of newer, deeper wells. As
competition for groundwater increases, our water table is dropping. Some
wells are running dry. This brings up an important question: Will the
Central Valley aquifer system still be there for the agricultural community
of tomorrow? In other words, is our current usage of the Central Valley
aquifer sustainable?

Chris Petersen has an MS in Hydrology from the University of Arizona and is
a professional geologist and certified hydrogeologist in California. He has
26 years of experience in the planning and implementation of groundwater
projects throughout California, many of which involve artificial recharge
and conjunctive use facilities. He is a principal hydrogeologist and
project manager for West Yost Associates, in Davis, California. He will
discuss how groundwater recharge in wet periods using recharge basins and
wells could help to ensure the sustainable management of our groundwater
resources. In his talk, he will show how this problem has been handled in
other parts of the state and provide some thoughts on what the folks in
Modesto can to do advance groundwater storage. Hopefully it will spark
some good discussion.